LG Bans Residential Proxy SDKs from webOS Apps

LG Electronics USA announced a sweeping purge of residential proxy software development kits (SDKs) from its webOS app store, citing security concerns after a third‑party study revealed widespread abuse.

Scale of the Problem on LG and Samsung Platforms

A July 2 report by security firm Spur found that ↑ 42% of downloadable LG apps embed SDKs that turn televisions into permanent proxy nodes, while roughly ↓ 25% of Samsung Tizen apps contain similar code.

LG’s Response

Senior Vice President John Taylor told KrebsOnSecurity the company is working with developers to strip the unwanted functionality; non‑compliant apps will be suspended from the store.

“A residential proxy network is not an intended use for LG smart TVs,” Taylor said.

Developers have been offered a choice: embed a paid proxy SDK—often from Bright Data—or forgo the revenue stream. Bright Data claims its network operates on “consent and responsibility” and recently passed a PwC audit, a point highlighted in its public statement Reuters coverage.

Security analysts argue that a one‑time consent screen hidden inside a game or screensaver does not provide meaningful transparency, especially when minors may inadvertently grant permission.

LG’s crackdown arrives amid fresh criticism over pre‑installed McAfee software on its premium monitors, a practice exposed by Gamers Nexus earlier this week.

Editor’s note: A previous version misstated the percentage of Samsung apps; the correct figure is 25%.

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Words by: Roman Vance

Contracted Global Reporter
(Note: Roman Vance is covering this desk while Julian Reed is on sick leave.)